time-lapse video recorder

Does anyone know a source for new or used [but in good condition]
time-lapse video recorders? I need one for new Plant Biology lab projects
and research I want to implement but have found only a fawned they were
priced beyond our budget. I need the type that could record plant growth
responses such as seed germination, tropisms, pollen tube growth, etc. I
would buy one with my own money, if it were affordable, just to have one
and bring a new and dynamic experience to the students.
Along this line, is there a clearing-house for used or no longer needed lab
and teaching equipment? Maybe an on-line "swap list" , registry for
large-university or research company willing- to-donate-to-smaller
[private] colleges" [great tax write-off CEO's!]? I have heard from
friends in industry and private business sector of instruments they
upgraded, but either junked to make space, or store forever [and never to
use again]. They've commented, "Gee, I wish we had known you needed one-we
just bought five and scrapped three old ones!"
How about a trading web site to post material to sell, donate, swap, along
with a "need to obtain" list? Someone out there ought to be clever enough
to get one going!
Thanks.
Lee Hadden
Department of Biology
Wingate University
Wingate, NC 28174
hadden at wingate.edu